5.30.2009

Hey, did you know that in God's Word He says that our body is His temple? That probably means we should take care of our body. It's important to keep ourselves looking nice, but it can be so easy to get caught up in the latest fads and fashions. Personally, I think that a simple, effortless look is best. Here are some tips that I have found pretty helpful:

Don't want your nails to be boring? Sometimes, colored nail polish can chip easily and end up looking trashy, but a transparent, or opaque skin tone color will lengthen the nails and make them look neat and clean.

If you happen to have wavy/curly hair, but by the end of the day your curls end up looking frizzy and tangled, or just flat, try this method for defining your curls: After shampooing, conditioning, or just wetting your hair, gently comb in leave-in conditioner (I use Fructis). Then, scrunch curls with a hold gel (I used Suave- it works just as well as expensive brands). Later, when your hair has dried, lightly spray with hair spritz to keep the curls looking bold and defined. Spray again if needed.

Did you know you don't have to use shampoo every day. Usually, I only use shampoo once or twice a week, then use conditioner on most days. If you're in a rush, you can simply wet your hair, then add gel. (This doesn't work with all hair types. A friend with very fine hair has to shampoo her hair daily, so find a system that works for you.)

Do you have dark circles around your eyes, or always look tired? To brighten the area around the eyes, first use stick concealer around the bottom of the eyelid. Use light (cream) colored eye shadow on the upper eyelid and a bit below the eyebrows. You can also use some below the eye. You should use a small brush instead of a regular eye shadow applier. Then, dust the upper eyelid area and the area between the eyes and the nose just a bit with white eye shadow. If you choose to use mascara, just use a little bit to look natural.

To make your face look smooth, with out caking on foundation, dust lightly with bare minerals powder.

To keep your face moisturized, or if you have oily skin, wash twice daily with gentle baby soap, then use mild lotion for sensitive skin.

5.27.2009

BIGGER! BETTER! FREE! EASY! RELAX!When I look around me- on the internet, driving down the street, in magazines and catalogs- these are the words that pop out of the page at me, a blatant reminder of where our culture finds pleasure. We try to get what we want, when we want it, the easy way. And if possible, we'd also appreciate if it didn't blow our budget. In our culture today, parents of teens shrug when their kids refuse to do chores, leave snack wrappers tossed around the house, neglect to meet simple responsibilities. They laugh, "Kids these days!". What they are neglecting to realize is that their teen is missing out on some big life lessons like humility, service, selflessness. The expectations of the average teen are generally low- sure, aren't most teens lazy anyway? They'll grow out of it. But they won't. They don't. Rising up is a generation of kids who are disgustingly self-centered. Even when we do "good things" we are probably secretly hoping someone will take notice and pat us on the back for making a good choice. We live only for ourselves. This hurts God so much as you will see in the following verse that we are going to study. Maybe you don't even realize it, but you are probably living for yourself too. I did. (Well, maybe I still do..a little bit.)

A little more than a year ago, as my mom searched for verses for me to memorize, she stumbled across the following. At the time, I had been struggling with selfishness (and perhaps a bit of laziness) and I needed to snap out of it. I was also extremely shy and quiet, sometimes helpless if my mom wasn't there to help me and give me the self-confidence I didn't have. Because it was getting to the point of rudeness (like not being able to carry on a decent conversation with an adult, let alone a girl my age) I needed something to help change me, move me.This verse is a humbling, brutal, and beautiful reminder of what our Savior went through and what a high standard God has set for us! The highlighted words are some keywords I would like to zoom in on and take a closer look at the meaning of each one of them. I used The Complete Word Study- New Testament Edition, edited by Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D. I also looked on blueletterbible.com, where if you go to a verse, then click on "C", you will find the meanings of several words. That way, we can get a better understanding of this verse:

Philippians 2:5-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (NIV)

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ isLord to the glory of God the Father. (KJV)

Robbery- harpagmos - a thing seized or to be seized, booty

Of no reputation- kenoo - empty, void

Servant- doulos - slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another, his will altogether consumed in the will of the other

Likeness- homoioma - resemblance, image

Fashion- schema - external form, appearance; In Philippians 2:8- Jesus’ whole outward appearance in which there was no difference between the Incarnate Son and the other children of men, but he was God and continued to be God.

Humbled- tapeinoo - In the case of Philippians 2:8- He brought about the recognition of His humanity by demonstrating His absolute dependence on His Father.

Exalted- huperupsoo - To elevate above others, raise to the highest position

Lord- kurios- The title is given to God, the Messiah. Also it is used as a greeting from a servant to his master out of respect and reverence.

Glory- doxa- It is understood in contrast with His earthly manifestation and is brought by Christ Himself into connection with the glory which He had before his humiliation in the incarnation. (Whew!)

Wow. What a powerful message. Take a look again at the meaning of the word servant. I love the picture of Jesus as a Man being all together consumed by the will of God. As He walked on the earth, He was willing to do anything to bring glory to His Father. And although He was still God, He had no problem with acknowledging His lowly position as a human. Jesus went so far as to even sacrifice His life on the cross for our sin. Daily, we are carrying a cross of our own. When we serve God, through directly serving Him, or through service to others, we are to " die" to ourselves. What does that mean? It obviously doesn't mean we work so hard we keel over and physically die. Every time we have a desire that isn't met as a result of loving others and giving them our time and attention we are sacrificing ourselves (though not so drastically as Jesus did on the cross).

Also about a year ago, my mom and I embarked on our first terrifying journey out of the country. We are both germ freaks, we are both control freaks, she had only been on a plane once before and I had never been on a plane in my life. As you can imagine, it did not go well with us. What I had imagined as a perfect trip on which I would change the lives of several young children and lead them to Christ, I ended up mostly taking care of my mom, who became dehydrated during our trip and ended up in bed with an IV for two days. That was when I realized how much I depended on my mom and how much she was dying to herself to meet my needs. During that week, under tough circumstances, I learned to fend for myself out in the real world (since my mom wasn't there to talk for me when I could think of anything good to say). I had to step out of my comfort zone and start doing things that I never imagined I could or would do for myself. But I did them (and I survived!). For me, my biggest humility problem is that I was so afraid of messing up and being embarrassed in front of other people, that I just would do or say anything. What an idea! Usually, the idol that "shy" people hold up is themselves. They are so obsessed with making the image of themselves perfect, that they hurt other people and appear rude and snobby instead of pouring over with love for others.

Don't get me wrong. There is a difference between humility (or meekness), and shyness. Meek is good- it's the servitude, willingness to sacrifice yourself for the glory of God, dying to ourselves. Shyness is holding ourselves up so high that we are afraid to look down because we might stumble.

But look at the promise God has for us if we only choose to walk in humility instead of pride- and that can be as easy as doing the dishes without your mom asking, helping an elderly lady with her groceries when you have a million "better" things to do, playing with your younger siblings when you feel like you have no energy left after a long day at school. When Jesus died and rose again, God raised Him to the highest place and glorified Him. And we must glorify Him also! God will reward us for our humility, even if we don't see our reward on earth.

Please comment to tell us what you got from this verse and it's additional meanings, as well as some ideas of how we can die to ourselves and glorify God while doing it! We appreciate all the feedback we can get!

5.25.2009

Hey, all. I know this is called the "Weekend Top 10"...and it's Monday, but what can I say? The idea sprung on me a little late. On our local Christian radio station- and on other stations around the country, something goes on every Saturday and Sunday called the "Weekend Top 20" (songs, of course). I thought it might be fun to do one of our own, but downsize it a little.

As teen girls, who are discovering a new interest in music and have probably uploaded dozens of songs onto our iPod or MP3 player, it is important to make sure we are putting good things into our minds. Yeah, I know. It's just a song. What can a few choice words or somewhat inappropriate lyrics do to you? Well, when we listen to a song over and over again, the lyrics sort of unconsciously start to creep into our minds. Soon they become okay, normal, fine. Before we know it, a bad word is just...slipping out every now and then and those things we thought we'd never do start to become acceptable. After all, our idol thinks it's OK- why shouldn't we? See how easy it is to get pulled in to what the world says is alright? So, why not listen to songs with good, wholesome lyrics. Philippians 4:8 says, "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, think about such things. If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." When you think "Christian music", perhaps the hymns you used to sing in Sunday School come to mind, but not all Christian music is slow...check out my selections for the Weekend Top 10 and PLEASE vote on the sidebar for your favorite song, that will make it to next weeks Top 10! Sorry, the videos might be a little tacky- just try to ignore them and enjoy the music (they were the best I could find!!).

1. I'm Letting Go by Francesca Battistelli

2. Boomin' by TobyMac

3. Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath

4. Stand in the Rain by Superchic(k)

5. Empty Me by Chris Sligh (American Idol Contestant!!!)

6. The Motions by Matthew West

7. Shut Me Out by Kutless (This is one of my bro's favs. Check out the better video on Youtube.)

8. Wherever We Go (just for Rebekah :P) by Newsboys

9. Lone Ranger by Nate Sallie

10. Beauty of Grace by Krystal Meyers (You'll have to go to the site to listen to this one. Can't embed the good video.)

5.22.2009

Read that again. LadyJane Grey. When you read that you think of a rich, important woman, right? We've heard brief mentions of this "lady" in history books, but who was she really? Let's find out.

In 1537, Jane Grey was born in England to Henry Grey, Marquis of Dorset, and his wife Lady Frances. It was in the times of King Henry VIII. King Henry died, however, leaving only one son, Edward, who was Jane's own age. Jane was not a happy child. Her parents cared nothing for her, and were cruel to their children. When Jane was 9, the Marquis told his daughter that she was to be sent to live with Queen Kartherine, the widow of King Henry. There she would learn to be a lady. So nine-year-old Jane left her home to live among strangers. She did not miss her parents, but she did miss her two little sisters, Catherine and Mary. But she was soon happy with Queen Katherine, much happier than with her parents. While the sweet little girl lived with the widowed queen, she heard Katherine speaking of a Savior, whom she loved with all her heart. Who was this person whom Katherine loved so much? Jane began to listen to the adults. They spoke of Jesus, who had come to the earth to die because of the sinfulness of man. He had loved them so much that he had taken their punishment. What's more, Jane learned that He had died for anyone who would believe in Him. Jane saw her sin, and she saw how Jesus had saved and changed these people. She saw their love for Him and for each other, and she wanted Him to be her Savior. Katherine was a Protestant, as King Henry had been, and Jane became a Protestant as well. Sweet little Jane. She was so happy. But that did not last. When she had been with Katherine only a year, Katherine died in childbirth. The queen had remarried after Henry died. Poor Jane! The ten-year-old girl was taken back to her parents' house with a broken heart. And Jane was no longer happy. In her diary she wrote: "When I am in the presence of Father and Mother, whether I speak, keep silent, sit, stand or go, eat, drink, be merry or sad, be sewing, playing, dancing, or doing anything else, I must do it as it were in such weight, measure and number, even so perfectly as God made the world; or I am sharply taunted and cruelly treated, sometimes with pinches, nips, and bobs and in other ways." What an unhappy life she led! But did she leave her Savior, thinking He did not love her? No, she clung to Him though it all. He would keep her safe, and she need not fear or despair. Her only happy hours were spent with her tutor, Mr. Aylmer. He was a Protestant as well, and she enjoyed learning from him greatly. "He teaches me so gently, so pleasantly…and when I am called from him, I fall on weeping because whatsoever else I do but learning is full of grief, trouble and fear." When Jane was 16 she was married to Guildford Dudley, the son of Lord Dudley. He was several years older than her, and handsome, but she did not love him, and he was not kind to her. Lord Dudley was the most powerful man in London, and it was he who had arranged the marriage of Guildford and Jane. He knew what King Henry had decided about Jane. When the King had died, he said that if his children left no heirs, then Jane would become queen. Lord Dudley hoped that through this he could make Guildford king. Then Edward, the young king, died, leaving no heir. Lord Dudley immediately took Jane to the Tower of London and proclaimed her queen of England. Then, Lord Dudley told Jane that he would make Guildford king. But Jane, the slender, sixteen-year-old new queen, told him no. "Guildford cannot, by law, become king," she said. Lord Dudley knew this was true, but it made him angry. Did Jane forget her God now that He had let her become a political pawn in the hands of men greedy for power? No. She knew that He had a plan that she could not understand, but which He was using for good. "I will trust you Lord, although I don't know what you have for me," she prayed. Many in England thought that Mary, Edward's sister, should be the queen. Mary gathered an army, so Lord Dudley appointed Jane's father commander of an army to fight Mary. At this, Jane firmly put her foot down. No, she said. She knew that if her father died, she would be completely in Dudley's power. So Dudley marched with the army. But Mary won. Jane was imprisoned in the Tower of London and Dudley was executed. Did Jane forget the Lord in fear? No, this young girl was only 16, yet she stayed strong. In mid-September, Mary decided that Jane and Guildford would stand trial. Two months later, they were both condemed to die. Mary was a Catholic, but England had been Protestant under King Heny and his son Edward. She said, "Jane is young, and she was manipulated by others." She told Jane that if Jane would only become a Catholic, she would not be executed. She did not need to die. But Jane told Mary, "I will not give up the Lord who died for me. I will die for him if I must." Many times Mary sent a priest to speak with Jane, trying to persuade her. Jane thanked him for his kindness to her, but told him no. Finally, Jane was taken to be beheaded. In her last words she again thanked the priest, and asked the Lord to show him the truth. Moments later, Jane was rejoicing with the angels.

Jane Grey, age sixteen, stayed strong in her faith. She loved her Lord Jesus more than power, even more than life itself. She loved and trusted Him to her very last breath. So was Lady Jane Grey a rich, important lady? Well, yes, she was rich and important. But she was only 16. She was hardly more than a girl. What does this show us? Do we have to be grown-ups to stand for our Savior? No. Jane had courage in the face of incredibly difficult circumstances, all because of her love for Jesus. We could all learn a lesson from her.

5.19.2009

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

1 John 3: 14

My sister was mean. That was all there was to it. She had hurt me verbally all evening, and now I couldn’t bear it any longer. I was lying on my bed crying into my comforter feeling bruised and cheated.

Why had she suddenly started insulting me? Well, to answer that we have to go to way back to that afternoon before supper. I had unconsciously insulted her; I called her immature. She’d taken offence and asked why, and I’d gone on and on about all the ways she had wasted her day. Even so, why would that make her angry? After all I was merely pointing out her flaws, so she could correct them right? Wrong, looking back, I realized I wasn’t trying to build my sister up indeed the opposite I was intentionally breaking her down. The words I choice were not to encourage her and help her but to make her feel bad I wanted her confidence shattered.

My words earlier that day had brooded inside my sister for a while. however I had been oblivious. I now realize that taking action immediately after the offence would have saved both of us a lot of tears, anger, and damage to our relationship.

I stopped crying and sat up. A bible was in my devotional bag, and I reached for it hopping for something to give me comfort. I don't remember what I looked up in the concordance, but whatever it was it lead me to John three. I read the Chapter. At first only seeing the ways my sister’s actions didn't meet up to the requirements here, but then I read the verse above. "We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren." And then I began to wonder how am I dealing with this any different than an unbeliever would? Am I being a good example of an older sister? Am I even trying?

I was surprised at what I found and immediately went to God in pray.

God convicted me to go and apologize for the way I was behaving and for being such a poor example as I older sister. Let me tell you apologizing isn't easy. It's not in our nature to admit being wrong and humble yourself to the point of asking others for forgiveness. However, it must be done. Arguments, hurtful words and actions those things will start to build up and deteriorate your friendship

With God's grace, I could apologize to my sister and our relationship didn't bounce back it got better! God is an awe-inspiring supplier of everything good and sometimes the hardest situations are the happiest day of your life.

5.17.2009

Proverbs 31: 30 ~ “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Many of you have probably heard of this verse before, memorized it, or even found comfort in it. I think that it is an excellent verse telling how we, as girls, should act. There are many “charming and beautiful” women in the world, women who spend tons of money and time on their hair, clothes, makeup and bodies. But as Christian girls our beauty should be from fearing the Lord. All of us will grow old one day, so now even when we are young, we need to be working on beauty that will last no matter how old we get. “A woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” What does it really mean to fear the Lord? In Psalms it says “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” So to have beauty that will last forever we need to fear the Lord. When we fear the Lord we will be beautiful. I hope that “Above Rubies” will help us as Christian girls to work on a beauty in Christ that will last to eternity, something that will not perish or spoil or fade. Wouldn’t it be awesome to be remembered as a girl who had an internal beauty, something that only came from fearing the Lord?

Psalm 119:9 says, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." The purpose of this blog is to encourage young ladies to live according to God's Word...and to live differently than our culture encourages us to. Follow us as we venture to grow in our relationships with God and share our experiences with you. Being a set-apart young lady in a worldly culture can be hard...but with God's help we can do anything!

Proverbs 31:10

A [woman] of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.